Our Lady of the Rivers

Our Lady of the Rivers got its name from being close to three major rivers – the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri. The small community of Portage des Sioux had been prone to many floods, especially since it is close to the Mississippi River. In 1951, a dangerous flood was happening from the Missouri River by St. Charles, which took 41 lives and cost over a billion in damages. It was on its way to Portage des Sioux when Father Edward B. Schlattmann from St. Francis of Assisi Church asked his members to pray that the village not be damaged. The town was miraculously spared, and Schlattmann suggested a statue to commemorate the event. Norma McClory designed a 25-foot white, fiberglass statue, and it was dedicated before a crowd of 10,000 people on October 13, 1957. The pedestal it stands on is 20 foot tall, and the statue weighs 3,000 pounds. It is a reminder of the history and true beauty of the area.

In October 2014, the statue underwent renovations.

The walkwayThe unique statue

Cake placement date: April 8

Where is the cake now?: The cake was sold in the biddingforgood auction for $532 on 1/1/2015, to the Cakelovers. It has been displayed in several places. Now the cake sits at Pat Connolly’s Tavern (6400 Oakland, St. Louis)

Memories: It was unavailable during most of July 2014 due to rising high waters in Portage des Sioux.